If you’ve been plugged into social media lately, chances are you’ve come across the buzz surrounding the Netflix original series Making a Murderer. I held off watching it for a while, still riding high from a Sherlock binge. However, when my daughter, a college sophomore back home for winter break, suggested we watch it together, I couldn’t say no. After all, when your college kid invites you to do anything, you jump at the chance. Thus began an unforgettable marathon.
Living in Minnesota, the Midwestern quirks of the show didn’t distract me as much as they might have for others. If you’re from Minnesota, Michigan, or Wisconsin, you’ve likely encountered families reminiscent of the Averys. I didn’t even notice the subtitles until a friend pointed them out on social media. Initially, the nostalgic charm of the upper-Midwest ‘90s—complete with mullets, oversized glasses, and Dolores Avery’s distinctive owl lamps—was entertaining. But soon, the gripping narrative took center stage.
Overview of the Series
For those who haven’t yet tuned in, here’s a brief overview: Steven Avery, a man from Wisconsin, was wrongfully convicted of sexual assault and attempted murder in 1985 and spent 18 years behind bars. Advances in DNA technology ultimately exonerated him, linking the crime to another individual. While Steven was no angel—having had his fair share of run-ins with the law—his case was riddled with inconsistencies that were hard to ignore.
Just two years after his release, Steven found himself back in the spotlight, arrested again, this time for the murder of photographer Teresa Halbach. I won’t dive into spoilers—I urge you to check it out on Netflix to discover the twists and turns for yourself.
A Maternal Perspective
As a mother with nearly 22 years of parenting experience, I watch everything through a maternal lens, and this series was no exception. My heart went out to Dolores Avery, Steven’s mother, as she recounted her visits to him in prison. “Even when it was icy, I drove there,” she expressed in her charming accent. Anyone familiar with driving on treacherous winter roads knows that such a commitment is reserved for those we love most.
Another mom who resonated with me was Barbara, mother of Brendan Dassey, a teenager caught up in the investigation of Teresa’s murder. Brendan is one of the most heartbreaking real-life characters I’ve come across. His conversations with Barbara are incredibly poignant, revealing the depth of their bond. One moment that struck a chord was when she reassured him, “You’re not stupid to me.” For any mother who has comforted a child grappling with self-doubt, those words hit hard.
The Challenges of Motherhood
The mothers featured in this gripping, infuriating series face unimaginable circumstances, from Dolores’s visits to her son in prison to Barbara’s emotional breakdown amid a swarm of reporters. And let’s not forget Teresa Halbach’s mother, who, though less vocal, represents the profound loss at the heart of this tragic story.
The experiences of these mothers highlight the varied challenges and resources available to parents. Factors like education, genetics, income, and social class all shape how we raise our children and the lives we create for them.
The narrative unfolds like a tangled sheet tumbling from a linen closet—a chaotic mess that defies reason. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend diving in. You’ll likely feel a mix of anger and sadness, but it will undoubtedly broaden your perspective.
After viewing, even the pile of dirty dishes left by my teenager didn’t seem as monumental, and yes, I gave my kids a good, tight hug.
If you want to explore more about parenting and family-building, check out our other blog posts, such as the excellent resource on intrauterine insemination at Resolve.
Conclusion
In summary, Making a Murderer offers a profound look at the complexities of motherhood, justice, and the American legal system, leaving viewers reevaluating their daily struggles and connections with their children.